Spending power cut a ‘raw deal’ for South Yorkshire

John Healey, MP

Published:10:00Saturday 01 February 2014

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Prime Minister David Cameron is giving South Yorkshire a raw deal, an MP has declared.

Latest figures from the local government finance settlement have revealed Sheffield faces a reduction of 22 per cent in spending power per household, while Rotherham will be hit by a 16.6 per cent decrease.

Barnsley faces a cut of 17.7 per cent.

The sums are a stark contrast to some councils in the south, such as Surrey, which will enjoy an increase in spending power.

Rotherham MP John Healey has now called for fair funding and a better deal for local residents.

Mr Healey said: “David Cameron and Eric Pickles are living in a world of their own and stand up for the wrong people.”

In a table drawn up by Newcastle Council, data shows that in this Parliament the 10 most deprived areas will have their spending power cut by a quarter, but the 10 least deprived areas will suffer an average of 2.5 per cent reduction.

The PM’s local authority in his constituency of West Oxfordshire is getting an increase in spending power of 3.1 per cent.

Mr Healey said: “It’s just not fair that Rotherham and Barnsley will face a reduction of nearly 20 per cent in spending power per household, while councils in some of the very wealthiest areas in the country will actually have an increase.

“It tells you all you need to know about whose side the Government is on. We need a fair deal for South Yorkshire.”

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